2
10 minutes
Understanding the Risks
The key risks of social media for children.
Privacy and contact risks
Children can be contacted by strangers, share personal information without realising the consequences, and encounter content that isn't age-appropriate. Privacy settings are often set to 'open' by default.
Key takeaway
The default privacy settings on most platforms are not safe enough for children — they need to be changed.
Emotional and social risks
Cyberbullying, comparison anxiety, FOMO (fear of missing out), and pressure to present a perfect life online can all affect children's mental health. Watch for changes in mood after using social media.
Key takeaway
Pay attention to how a child feels after using social media, not just how long they spend on it.